Mr. Kaunda said other issues to be tabled throughout the conference are social protection and employment and social dialogue.

He said the meeting is tripartite in nature as participants attending the conference are Ministers and experts from ILO Member states, social partners, representatives of regional and Labour and employment professional organisations.

Labour and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda is also in Geneva attending the conference.

The Conference guest speaker this year was Malawian President Joyce Banda.

The Malawian President said ILO’s presence in Malawi and many other member states is being felt like never before.

Addressing the Annual UN labour conference in Geneva, Switzerland Mrs. Banda said the decent work agenda is a complete package that touches on many aspects of development.

She said Malawi had recorded a six percent annual economic growth which was not accompanied by job creation.

The Malawian President said her government with the assistance of ILO developed the Malawi Decent Work Country Programme to address the challenges of jobless growth among others.

Mrs. Banda also said there was need for ILO to look at equitable access to decent work by women and men.

And ILO Director General Guy Ryder says the desire to eliminate child labour comes from a strong political commitment followed by action.

Mr. Ryder said this during the 102nd session of the International Labour Organisation in Geneva today.

He stated that the country’s resolve to pursue an inclusive growth path is reflected in initiatives to develop and implement a social protection floor in line with ILO’s recommendation.

Mr. Ryder further commended Malawi’s President Joyce Banda for the role she has played in placing Malawi among the 15 African countries which have made progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).